Good quotes
“The secret to your success is found in your daily routine.”
JOHN C. MAXWELL
"There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud."
Carl Sandburg
It’s easy to avoid persecution, rejection, and slander in one fell swoop. Simply compromise.
From Jonathan Rios’ Facebook page
“Without forgiveness life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.”
ROBERTO ASSAGIOLI
There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.
— Susan Cain
Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.
— Robert Waldinger
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that prisoner was you.
― Lewis B. Smedes, author and theologian
I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.
― Abraham Lincoln
Never ruin an apology with an excuse.
Ben Franklin
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”
CHARLES W. ELIOT
Interesting Facts (from InterestingFacts.com)
Are you guilty of tsundoku? Tsundoku is a Japanese word referring to the habit of buying books and never reading them.
A Gentle Path through Depression
Most of us know and have benefited from the important books by Michelle Weiner Davis. You’ll need a subscription to the Psychotherapy Networker to read the entire article, but it’s a worthwhile, moving article about her own journey through deep depression. And a good reminder that all of us, even with all our clinical training and knowledge, are still human beings who are susceptible to the same struggles that our clients wrestle with. Click here to read full article.
Hanging Out with Dick Van Dyke: A Lesson in Stepping Up
This is another article from the Psychotherapy Networker. It has a dual focus: this overwhelmingly shy writer interviewing Dick Van Dyke about his struggle overcoming alcoholism and how what she learned from him helped her overcome her shyness. It could be useful if you’re working either with a client who is struggling to admit they have a drinking problem, or a client struggling with shyness. Click here to read full article.
One Click Away: How Online Platforms Put Our Nation’s Youth at Risk for Human Trafficking
I think we are all aware that the internet has many dangers to our children, but we may not know how traffickers bring children under their control. This article is a good introduction for parents to use with their children. Click here to read full article.
Proposed California Bill Removes Parental Custody
A new proposed California bill would require that children receive “gender-affirming care,” allowing courts to remove them from parental custody if necessary. This law would apply not only to parents and children who are California residents, but to any children who travel to California from any other state. Clearly another good reason to elect California’s governor to be President of the whole United States. Click here to read full article.
Practical Tips to Avert Bipolar Depression
People with bipolar disorder usually spend much more time in depression than in manic states. And bipolar depression is, reportedly, a very difficult state to endure. Therefore to have a practical plan to avoid or avert bipolar depression is important. Here is a practical list of twelve things such clients can do. Click here to read full article.
The benefits of ‘pretty privilege’
This is a summary of an online discussion of “pretty privilege”—the idea that attractive women are asked out more, more likely to be accepted in job interviews, etc. The online discussion discussed various issues, but then also got into some of the disadvantages of being pretty. I thought one of the best statements is one by a woman at the very end of the article. She said: “I’ve only ever been judged by my brains and abilities, because my looks are nothing special. Therefore I don’t feel like I have anything to lose as I get older, and my success or failure is within my own control.” [Sorry, I forgot to include the link to this article.]
Is This Man America’s Stupidest Murderer?
This article has nothing to do with counseling, but if you need a little humor for today, you might enjoy it. Click here to read full article.
Majority of 'Bath Salt' Deaths Concentrated in Just Two States
Most deaths from bath salts occurred in two states, and Florida had by far the highest number of deaths. Please tell children and clients of the dangers of purchasing drugs not from licensed drug stores. Click here to read full article.
Kids’ Test Scores Not Hurt by Prenatal Antipsychotic Exposure
Mothers who struggle with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder often wonder whether they should continue to take antipsychotics during pregnancy. This Danish study, which included 600,000 children, found that children’s scores were not significantly different if parents take antipsychotics during pregnancy. While the average scores were slightly lower, apparently this did not reach the level of significance. It did not seem to matter which antipsychotic the parent took, or whether they took first or second-generation antipsychotics. This is particularly important, since a break-through psychotic episode can significantly interfere with children’s development. Click here to read full article.
Remote Behavioral Therapy Works for Kids with Tic Disorder
Children with tic disorder or Tourette Syndrome often lack access to someone trained in behavioral therapy. This study showed that remote behavioral therapy could be effective in treating this disorder. Click here to read full article.
Dr. Kristen Collier Shows Why Freedom of Speech Blesses Everyone
Dr. Kristen Collier and the University of Michigan’s medical school recently made national headlines when students tried to get the University to cancel her speech because she is pro-life. The University responded by affirming that freedom of speech is an activity that blesses everyone. I think reading a few excerpts from her speech will encourage you to take the same approach as the university. Click here to read full article.
Abortion Activists Want to Kick Justice Amy Coney Barrett Out of College Hall of Fame
Compare with the saying from Jonathan Rios’ Facebook page.Click here to read full article.
Loving Someone with ADHD Is Easy…But Living with them is often another matter
If you counsel a married couple where one or both have ADHD, I think you’ll find this article extremely helpful. Click here to read full article.
Deputy Used Stun Gun 17 Times On Teen With Autism, Lawsuit Alleges
A story that will probably raise your blood pressure and demonstrate that we need to make recognizing mental illness a mandatory part of law enforcement training happened in South Carolina. A deputy stopped a mute teen with autism along the road and used a taser 17 times on the youth. He has been fired and is facing charges of second-degree assault and battery and misconduct in office. Click here to read full article.
Girl with Down Syndrome Is Unstoppable in Her Accomplishments
When Chelsea was born with Down Syndrome, doctors also said she had very low muscle strength and would probably never be able to be in sports. This five-minute video is a testimony to what amazing things she has accomplished and the caring person she has developed into. Click here to read full article.
How Christianity Created the Hospital
Many of us know how early Christianity spread through Rome when an epidemic swept through that city. Most people threw the sick out of their homes, and Christians often were the ones who cared for them. But there is much more to the history than this one story. I encourage you to take a couple moments to read how Christians through the centuries have cared for the sick and eventually created the first hospitals and orphanages. Click here to read full article.
Impulsivity: What’s Happening in the Brain
Although this article is primarily directed at people with bipolar disorder, who tend to be particularly impulsive when manic, this article has some insights that could be useful if you have any clients who want to decrease their impulsivity. Click here to read full article.
The Neurobiology Behind Young People’s Shift in Interest From Mother’s Voice to Those of Non-Family Members
I mentioned this research when it first came out a few months ago, but here’s a more complete discussion of it. Many parents are frustrated when teens suddenly stop listening to them and listen quite attentively to what their peers are saying. This article explains the neurobiology of why that occurs. Click here to read full article.
Post-COVID Neurologic, Psychiatric Symptoms May Persist for 2 Years
If you have a client who has persisting symptom (e.g., brain fog, dementia, seizures, epilepsy, or even psychosis) after COVID it may be helpful to let them know they are not alone. Some symptoms, like increased chance of anxiety or depression, are also elevated, but this elevation of the likelihood of symptoms usually passes in a few months. The symptoms mentioned in the first sentence sometimes last up to two years. Click here to read full article.
They Worried About Housing For Their Son With A Disability — Until They Built An ADU
When parents have a child with a serious disability who has become an adult, they sometimes worry about finding adequate housing for them. Building an ADU (an accessory dwelling unit) is one option that might work for some families. If you ever have a family with such a situation, it could be good to know about this option. Click here to read full article.
I hope you enjoyed this compilation of articles and that you have a wonderful weekend or coming week!
Henry Virkler